Sturgeon vs paddlefish caviar: what's the difference?

People often hear "paddlefish caviar" and assume it is the same thing as sturgeon caviar at a lower price. It is a close relative, not the same product. Here is how they compare.

They are different fish

Sturgeon belong to the family Acipenseridae. The American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) belongs to a separate family, Polyodontidae, though it is an ancient relative of the sturgeon. It lives in the Mississippi River basin, has a long, flat snout and is known as a "spoonbill".

The labeling rule

In the United States, the word "caviar" on its own means sturgeon roe. Roe from other fish must carry the fish's name, such as "paddlefish caviar" or "salmon caviar". So a label that says "paddlefish caviar" tells you it is not sturgeon, which is how it should be.

How they taste

• Sturgeon caviar is often rich and buttery, with a clean, lingering finish, though this varies by species. Opus Kaluga Hybrid has large, firm pearls with a buttery, almond-leaning flavor.
• Paddlefish caviar is generally smaller-grained, gray to dark in color, with a milder and more earthy, briny flavor. Many people find it a good, affordable introduction to the style.

Both are served the same way: cold, on a non-metal spoon, with plain blini or crème fraîche.

Price

Paddlefish caviar usually costs less than sturgeon caviar. Sturgeon take years to mature, and farm-raised sturgeon caviar reflects that long growing time. The price of either varies with the producer, the grade and the season.

"Healthier"?

All caviar is a rich source of omega-3 fats and is high in salt, so it is best enjoyed in small amounts. We don't claim that one is healthier than the other, and the nutrition depends mainly on how the roe is processed and salted. Check the label.

What about kosher?

Kosher rules require that a fish have both fins and scales, and authorities disagree about the scales of sturgeon and related fish. Many kosher authorities do not consider sturgeon caviar kosher, and views on paddlefish vary. If kosher matters to you, look for a kosher certification on the package, and ask your rabbi rather than relying on a product description.

Which should you choose?

Choose paddlefish if you want a milder, more affordable caviar for a casual evening. Choose sturgeon if you want the larger pearls and the buttery finish that most people mean by "luxury caviar".

Opus Caviar is opening soon with same-day courier delivery of fresh Kaluga Hybrid sturgeon caviar across the South Bay. Join the list to be first to order, or read our guide to serving caviar.